Characterization and Antibiogram of Local Isolates of Campylobacter Species from Chicken in Nsukka Area, Southeast Nigeria

Characterization and antibacterial susceptibility of Campylobacter species in 275 layer chickens in 7 randomly selected farms in Nsukka was studied. Cloacal swabs from the birds were cultured and isolates characterized using standard culture method and biochemical tests respectively. This was followed by antibacterial susceptibility test for the species identified using agar disc diffusion method. Three Campylobacter species were isolated from 102 (37%) of the 275 birds sampled. Campylobacter jejuni was the most frequently occurring species (64%), followed by Campylobacter coli (23%) and Campylobacter lari (13%). Campylobacter jejuni identified were of two subspecies, Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni (48%) and Campylobacter jejuni subsp. doylei (16%). Multidrug resistance to two or more antibacterial agents was observed for 75% of the Campylobacter species tested. Specifically high resistance rates to cephalothin (84%), cephalexin (61%), ampicillin (58%), streptomycin (43%) and cotrimoxazole (43%) were observed. Low resistance to perfloxacin (9%), ofloxacin (5%) and ciprofloxacin (5%) were detected. All the tested species were sensitive to gentamicin. Drug preparations containing gentamicin and the fluoroquinolones are recommended for treatment of enteric Campylobacter infection.